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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Scottspencer on Friday,March 22, 2024, 04:00:28 PM

Title: Renault 15
Post by: Scottspencer on Friday,March 22, 2024, 04:00:28 PM
Hi, strange one this on a lotus forum, but there aren’t many Renault 15 owners to speak to.
I have Renault 15 that shares the same gearbox as the europa.
My gearbox, 4 speed, appears to of locked in between gears. I was moving back and forth having put sone new oil in the box. Suddenly a clunk, try to engage the clutch, engine struggles, no wheel movement.
Wheels off the ground. Engine off wheels move, opposite directions so diff is ok. Gear stick movement is limited, back to reverse, somewhere on the realms of 1st, will not go near 3rd or 4th.
Any ideas? Box was whining prior to this and struggling to go into second. Thanks
Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: BDA on Friday,March 22, 2024, 04:21:34 PM
 :Welcome: Scottspencer!!

It might be helpful to know which tranny you have: 336? 352? 365?

Is your linkage in good shape? No slop. No obstructions.
Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: Scottspencer on Saturday,March 23, 2024, 02:43:05 AM
I believe it’s the 336. Linkage appears to be ok. It could be the 352, unfortunately the tag no longer exists plus the serial number is partially worn away.
Numbers that are visible are 7700522….
Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: S2Zetec54 on Saturday,March 23, 2024, 03:22:51 AM
Hi Scottspencer

Welcome to the forum, can't help you very much...the pre existing whine might have something to do with it. How glittery was the oil?

If it's a broken gearbox I acquired a 16 engine the other day and it came with a gearbox....have not split it yet or fiddled but you are welcome to it for a little beer money if you need to. I can gather more info if you need it
Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: Scottspencer on Saturday,March 23, 2024, 07:13:54 AM
That would be great, yes please. Is it the 4 speed or 5 speed. How much beer money would you like and whereabouts are you? Thanks
Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: S2Zetec54 on Saturday,March 23, 2024, 11:01:13 AM
Hi Scottspencer, I'll ping you a message
Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: GavinT on Sunday,March 24, 2024, 05:53:58 AM
I believe it’s the 336. Linkage appears to be ok. It could be the 352, unfortunately the tag no longer exists plus the serial number is partially worn away.
Numbers that are visible are 7700522….

I believe it's more likely to be a 352.
That seems to be what Renault installed in the R15/R17 which was on the R12 platform.
Check me on this but I think some of the 1298cc cars may have used a different diff ratio.
Got a pic?
Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: jbcollier on Sunday,March 24, 2024, 07:01:00 AM
Sorry, you are going to have to disassemble your transaxle and see what's up.  If there is space, you might be able to pull off the rear cover for an inspection while it is still in the car.

Do you have a workshop manual?  If not, get one!  Factory manuals can be found on ebay.

A parts manual can be found here:

http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/r17_trans.pdf

Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: S2Zetec54 on Sunday,March 24, 2024, 08:10:32 AM
……ScottSpencer

I have had a look at a few pictures of a few R15 engine bays and I don't think a R16 gearbox will be any good for you
Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: Scottspencer on Sunday,March 24, 2024, 02:38:29 PM
I’ve found a gearbox in Spain. I think I may have to take the plunge and get a replacement. At worst I’ve got a complete set of spares!
Title: Re: Renault 15
Post by: dakazman on Sunday,March 24, 2024, 03:01:44 PM
   Its not a complete loss either.
  Parting out pieces can be very lucrative, so think about it as an investment.  thats what I tell my wife anyhow  :FUNNY:
   Chapter E is still new to me but some here are experts that can help you along

Dakazman